Honoring a Legacy: The Jerry Newbrey Pre-Clinical Teaching Awards at WSU

September 29, 2026
By Communications Staff, College of Veterinary Medicine

In the halls of the Washington State University (WSU) College of Veterinary Medicine, the name Dr. Jerry Newbrey is spoken with a unique blend of reverence, warmth, and nostalgia. A luminary in the fields of anatomy and histology, Dr. Newbrey was far more than a lecturer; he was a pedagogical force who possessed an uncanny ability to distill the most complex biological systems into accessible, riveting narratives. Today, his influence continues to ripple through the veterinary community, not only through the thousands of practitioners he trained but through a formal recognition program designed to perpetuate his high standards of academic excellence.

The Jerry Newbrey Pre-Clinical Teaching Awards have become a hallmark of the WSU veterinary curriculum, serving as a vital link between the past’s most inspirational educators and the future of veterinary medicine. As the college recognizes this year’s honorees, it is an opportune time to reflect on the life, the tragic loss, and the enduring pedagogical philosophy that defined Dr. Newbrey’s tenure.

The Legacy of Dr. Jerry Newbrey: A Life of Inspiration

Dr. Jerry Newbrey’s approach to education was revolutionary in its simplicity: he believed that if a student was engaged, they would be empowered to learn. His classroom was never a static environment; it was a theater of discovery. Whether he was illustrating the intricate histology of a canine tissue sample or explaining the structural complexities of anatomy, Dr. Newbrey employed a signature blend of sharp wit, creative visual metaphors, and a profound empathy for the student experience.

His colleagues often noted that Dr. Newbrey did not just teach anatomy; he taught the "why" behind the "what." He understood that the pre-clinical years are the foundation upon which every successful clinical career is built. By fostering a deep curiosity in his students, he ensured that they would carry that inquisitiveness into their own practices, ultimately benefiting the animals they would one day treat.

The sudden and tragic loss of Dr. Newbrey in a mountaineering accident left an indelible void within the WSU community. Mountaineering, a pursuit he approached with the same vigor and meticulous preparation he applied to his research, ultimately claimed his life. However, the outpouring of grief from alumni, faculty, and students alike underscored the depth of his impact. To ensure that his spirit would never truly leave the lecture hall, the college established the Jerry Newbrey Pre-Clinical Teaching Awards—a permanent tribute to a man who treated every lecture as an opportunity to change a life.

Chronology: From Tragedy to Tribute

The timeline of this institutional legacy began shortly after the loss of Dr. Newbrey, as the WSU College of Veterinary Medicine sought a meaningful way to memorialize his contributions.

• The Early Period: During his active years, Dr. Newbrey set the "gold standard" for faculty interaction. His consistent recognition by students as an outstanding instructor became a recurring theme in end-of-year evaluations.
• The Transition: Following his death, the immediate challenge for the faculty was how to maintain the quality of the pre-clinical curriculum in his absence. The administration realized that the most fitting memorial would be to institutionalize the very excellence he championed.
• Establishment of the Award: The Jerry Newbrey Pre-Clinical Teaching Award was formally inaugurated to celebrate faculty members who mirror Dr. Newbrey’s passion, accessibility, and pedagogical innovation.
• Annual Recognition: Each year, the college identifies instructors who demonstrate exceptional performance in the pre-clinical curriculum. The selection process involves rigorous student feedback, peer review, and an assessment of the instructor’s ability to foster a positive, inclusive learning environment.

Supporting Data: The 2026 Cohort of Excellence

The 2026 winners represent the diverse, multidisciplinary nature of WSU’s veterinary curriculum. These educators have been recognized for their specific contributions to their respective fields, ranging from systemic pathology to small animal surgery.

The 2026 Honorees

• Jeff Abbott (Veterinary Immunology): Recognized for his ability to translate the complexities of the immune system into tangible clinical applications.
• Hannah Cohen (Clinical Pathology): Commended for her diagnostic rigor and her commitment to mentoring students through challenging laboratory coursework.
• Pete Meighan (Veterinary Physiology II): Noted for his high-energy lectures that keep students engaged throughout the rigors of the second-year curriculum.
• Wesley Sheley (General Pathology): Celebrated for his systematic approach to pathology, ensuring students understand the fundamental mechanisms of disease.
• Bonnie Campbell (Small Animal Surgery): Recognized for her technical expertise and her patient, hands-on teaching style in the surgical suite.
• Jillian Haines (Small Animal Medicine): Applauded for her clinical acumen and her ability to guide students through complex case management.
• Jonathan Miller (Systemic Pathology): Honored for his depth of knowledge and his dedication to helping students synthesize pathological findings.
• Laura Williams (Veterinary Parasitology): Recognized for her creative use of diagnostic tools to make parasitology a highlight of the curriculum.

Each of these faculty members has been selected because they do more than just deliver content; they ignite the intellectual engines of their students, much like Dr. Newbrey did for decades.

Official Perspectives: The Philosophy of Teaching

The leadership at the WSU College of Veterinary Medicine views these awards as more than a certificate or a title. According to administrative spokespeople, the awards serve as a "cultural touchstone" for the college.

"When we look at the recipients of the Newbrey Award, we aren’t just looking for the smartest researchers or the most published faculty," said a representative from the college’s academic leadership. "We are looking for those who prioritize the student experience. Dr. Newbrey was a master of the ‘human element’ in education. He knew that veterinary medicine is as much about people as it is about animals. The current winners exemplify this balance—they are technically brilliant, but they are also deeply invested in the success of the next generation of veterinarians."

For many of the winners, receiving an award that carries the name of a legendary mentor is a humbling experience. Discussions among the faculty reveal a shared consensus: the award is not a destination, but a responsibility. It challenges them to continue evolving their teaching methods and to remain accessible to students who are often navigating the intense pressures of professional veterinary training.

Implications: The Future of Veterinary Education

The ripple effect of the Newbrey Awards extends far beyond the campus of Washington State University. In the broader landscape of veterinary education, WSU is increasingly recognized for its focus on the "pedagogical art" of medicine. As other institutions struggle with faculty burnout and the challenge of keeping students engaged in a digital-first era, the WSU model serves as a reminder that the personal connection between teacher and student remains the most powerful tool in the academic arsenal.

Strengthening the Pre-Clinical Curriculum

The emphasis on pre-clinical teaching is crucial. The first few years of veterinary school are notoriously difficult, often characterized by a high volume of complex, abstract information. By incentivizing excellence in these years, WSU is effectively reducing student attrition and ensuring that graduates enter their clinical rotations with a rock-solid foundation.

Cultivating the Next Generation of Mentors

The students who learn under these award-winning faculty are likely to adopt similar teaching styles once they enter the field as practitioners. They will become the mentors in private practices, the residents in teaching hospitals, and the faculty of the future. In this way, the "Newbrey spirit"—characterized by humor, creativity, and a genuine care for the learner—is being replicated and passed down in an exponential fashion.

A Lasting Legacy

As we look toward the future, the Jerry Newbrey Pre-Clinical Teaching Awards will continue to serve as a beacon. The mountain that took Dr. Newbrey’s life was a testament to his love for the peaks; his award is a testament to his love for the classroom. By grounding the college’s educational mission in the memory of such a beloved figure, WSU ensures that the standards he set will never be forgotten.

The 2026 honorees stand at the front of a long line of educators who believe that knowledge is best served with passion. As they continue to guide their students through the complexities of immunology, pathology, and surgery, they do so with the knowledge that they are part of a larger story—one that began with a professor who simply loved to teach, and one that continues every day in the classrooms of WSU.

In the final analysis, the Jerry Newbrey Pre-Clinical Teaching Awards are not merely a reflection of individual achievement. They are a profound statement on the value of human connection in the pursuit of scientific truth. Dr. Newbrey’s life was a journey upward, and through these awards, the College of Veterinary Medicine continues to elevate the standard of teaching to match the heights he once reached.